Eskom suspends employees over Medupi plant explosion
Eskom has issued provisional suspension notices to some employees involved in the explosion at the recently completed Medupi Power Station in Lephalale, Limpopo.
The plant experienced an explosion at Unit 4 on Sunday night.
Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says the explosion has resulted in extensive
damage to Unit 4.
“The incident occurred during the activity to displace hydrogen with carbon dioxide and air respectively, for the purposes of finding an external leak. Fortunately no injuries were sustained by personnel who were on site during the unfortunate incidents. Following the power station preliminary investigation, it appears that while performing this activity air was introduced into the generator at a point where hydrogen was still present in the generator at sufficient quantities to create an explosive mixture, which ignited and resulted in the explosion,”says Mantshantsha.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that there was a deviation from the procedure for carrying out the activity.
“As such Eskom has undertaken to place those employees who were responsible to manage and execute this work under precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the Major Event Investigation.
Investigations are underway into the cause of the incident and Eskom will update the public on developments, as well as to what extent this unfortunate incident will impact the national electricity grid,” adds Mantshantsha.
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